10 Awesome Places To See and Things To Do in The Hague, Netherlands
By: Patricia

By: Monique Rubin

Elegant and chic, The Hague is the seat of the government in the Netherlands. Located 40 miles to the south of Amsterdam, it has a myriad of world-class museums, galleries and restaurants as well as a palace or two.

Here are my top 10 places to see and things to do in The Hague.

Binnenhof

The Binnenhof (“Inner Court”) has been home to Dutch politics since 1446. Other buildings on the grounds include the Ridderzaal (Knight’s Hall), where the queen annually addresses the Parliament, and the Torentje (Little Tower), the office of the Prime Minister. Around the perimeter of the courtyard there open spaces for the public to enjoy and the lake, the Hofvijver.

Mauritshuis

Overlooking the Hofvijver is The Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis. This intimate museum located in a 17th century palace is home to a grand collection of paintings by Dutch and Flemish artists, such as Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Paul Rubens, Frans Hals and Pieter Brueghel, and is where you will find the famous works Girl With A Pearl Earring, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp and Laughing Boy.

Lange Voorhout

Take a walk along this historic, tree-lined street, where in times past, people went to see and be seen. The stately and dignified avenue is also the location for a bi-weekly antiques and book market from May through October. A visit to the Lange Voorhout is not complete with an afternoon tea at the prestigious Hotel des Indes.

Madurodam

Madurodam is a mini Holland, with typically Dutch towns and scenery presented on a 1:25 scale. The smallest city in the Netherlands, its mayor is elected by a youth municipal council made up of 25 students from area schools.

Westbroekpark

While there are many green parks in The Hague this is one of the nicest with a lovely teahouse and row-boats you can rent and take on the canal.

Peace Palace

One of the most photographed landmarks in The Hague, the Peace Palace is home to the International Court of Justice and is open to the public via guided tours.

Scheveningen

This seaside resort is popular with residents and tourists all year round, from the winter swim on New Year’s Day to the annual sand sculpture competition.

The Hague Market

Photo By Pieter Musterd (very busy)

Europe’s biggest market has over 500 stalls selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to clothes and household goods.

Zeeheldenkwartier

Photo By Meneer De Braker (Akbar2)

This up and coming trendy neighborhood, located just outside the city center, has funky galleries, shops and cafes galore.

Escher Museum

The grand palace where Queen Emma lived from 1901 to 1934 is now dedicated to the work of Holland’s most famous graphic artist, M.C. Escher whose optical illusions and surrealist forms is in stark contrast to the classical building in which they are housed.

About the blogger:

Monique Rubin lives in the Netherlands and blogs about travel with her family in the Netherlands and beyond.

Website: www.motravels.com

Twitter: @Monique_Rubin

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mswoodenshoes